Sebastian Stan is causing a stir in Hollywood with his bold portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice, which has earned him a 2025 Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film, which delves into Trump’s rise to power in the 1980s, has already made waves due to its controversial subject matter, particularly a scene depicting a fictionalized and dark version of Trump’s marriage to Ivana Trump. The portrayal, which includes an unsettling and highly contentious scene, led to significant legal backlash, including a cease-and-desist letter from Trump’s attorney, threatening legal action over marketing and distribution.
Despite the controversy, The Apprentice generated significant buzz at the Cannes Film Festival and received several accolades. However, due to the film’s provocative content—particularly the portrayal of Trump’s relationship with Ivana—no major U.S. distributors or streaming platforms picked it up for wider release. This didn’t stop the film from garnering attention, with the nomination for Best Actor further elevating Stan’s career. The movie, directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, focuses on Trump’s early years in the real estate business and his ascent to power, highlighting his partnership with lawyer Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong.
Stan’s performance, alongside a star-studded cast featuring Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump, and Martin Donovan as Fred Trump, has put the film in the Oscar conversation. Stan’s competition for Best Actor includes heavyweights like Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, Colman Domingo, and Timothée Chalamet, making this year’s race for the award even more exciting.
While The Apprentice remains a divisive project, Stan’s recognition for his role as Trump underscores his versatility as an actor, continuing his rise from his breakout role in Fresh to now earning Oscar-worthy acclaim.